This report presents a collection of success stories from the realization of Farmers' Rights as they are addressed in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Despite huge challenges ahead in implementing these rights, there are many examples of projects, legislation and policies which contribute to their realization. A success story is defined here as a project or activity that has resultet in substantial achievements with regard to one or more of the suggestions for the realization of Farmers' Rights addressed in the International Treaty. The chosen examples are not necessarily perfect; the main criterion is that significant achievements have been made and that they can provide inspiration for others. The success stories are sorted into four categories of achievements: the realization of Farmers' Rights to save, use, exchange and sell farm-saved seed; protection of traditional knowledge related to agricultural biodiversity; participation in benefit sharing and in decision-making. Within each of these categories a handful of stories are offered, 17 stories altogether, from 11 countries. The success stories in this report tell about achievements in different areas related to Farmers' Rights, but common features may be discerned. Farmer-scientist collaboration, capacity buliding, community based approaches and participatory approaches are all elements that have proved to be central. Different approaches to develop better legislation and incentive structures for Farmers' Rights are also important. The findings in this report suggest that NGOs and farmers organizations play an important role, and that networking can be very valuable. Last, but not least, this report notes the link between Farmers' Rights and development, and the importance of protecting these rights in order to ensure that what is left of agricultural biodiversity can be maintained, and to ensure the livelihoods of farmers throughout the worldRead More

This report presents the perceptions and experiences of farmers from various regions of the Peruvian Andes on issues related to farmers' rights. The aim of the study is to contribute to the debate as well as to practical efforts aimed at realising farmers’ rights in Peru, while also generating information useful for other countries.

The central recommendations of this report include:

maintaining documentation of traditional knowledge;

establishing agro-biodiversity reserves;

ensuring equitable benefit-sharing by providing support to community gene banks, seed fairs and exchange visits;

participation of farmers in research on traditional seed systems, plant breeding and decision-making;

mainstreaming legislation and policies related to the use and exchange of seeds;

assisting in processing and marketing products made from traditional varieties;

establishing pilot villages to bolster the conservation and exchange of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

In conclusion, this report advocates the existing process of realising farmers' rights in Peru, which will hopefully contribute to improving the food security of small-scale farmers and the continued maintenance of the country’s rich agricultural biodiversity.
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